React Native vs Native: Which is Better for App Development?

Among the 26.4 million software developers working around the globe, about one-third of mobile developers use cross-platform frameworks, while the rest rely on native development tools. A native approach aims to provide a better level of performance and make advanced device features directly available. On the other hand, React Native is the common choice when you need to optimize for costs, and fast deployment is a key concern across all platforms. 
When you are picking between Native and React Native, there are certain factors you need to consider, including performance requirements, time of execution & the key functionalities required.

In the article, we help you assess the pros & cons of using React Native versus Native for your project and help you clear up the dilemma of choosing the right development method for your application. Let’s dive in!

What is React Native?

React Native is an open-source library created by Meta. It allows developers to create cross-platform apps which are compatible with all operating systems like iOS and Android using one single language that is JavaScript.

Highlights of this App Development Methodology:  
1. Hot Reload: Developers can instantly see changes during development with this feature. 
2. Cross-Platform Development: The code needs to be written just once for both your platforms - iOS and Android. 
3. Cost & Time Effective: Because the app development method relies on just a single codebase, it does not require two different teams for implementation & execution. This saves time and costs. 
4. Rich Ecosystem: Third-party libraries can be easily accessed, hence, for any issues that developers may face, they have readily available resources.

Popular Brands Using React Native: 
• Facebook 
• Instagram 
• Airbnb 
• Walmart 
• Tesla

What is Native App Development?

Native app development methodology involves creating applications that are designed for specific platforms, whether it’s iOS or Android. For instance, Android apps are built using Kotlin or Java languages while, on the other hand, iOS apps are built using languages like Swift or Objective-C.

Highlights of Native Development:  
1. Optimization as per platforms:  The applications developed using this methodology take advantage of the device’s hardware & software by optimizing them fully and in an effective manner.  
2. Better Security:  Native application development is considered to be more secure because native apps are not vulnerable to the risk of deploying cross-platform frameworks, which can expose the app to the risk of data leakage. 
3. Deploying Native APIs with Ease:  This process provides complete access to each platform’s APIs, and owing to this, any nuances that are specific to any particular operating system can be deployed very seamlessly and without any risk.

Popular Brands Using Native Development: 
• Uber
• Spotify 
• Google Maps 
• Snapchat 

1. Cost of Development

Native Development: 
Native development needs two different codebases for iOS and Android. Two specialist teams or two developers are employed to develop and maintain the app. Thus, it is costly.

React Native Development: 
Developers can assist the same codebase for both Android and iOS using React Native, making it cheaper. Thus, it is a cost-effective option, particularly for small organizations, businesses, or startups with less capital.

2. UI/UX Experience

Native Development: 
Native applications have a better user interface and experience since they strictly follow platform-specific design guidelines (e.g., Material Design for Android and Human Interface Guidelines for iOS). This makes the app feel intuitive and natural to users on each platform.

React Native Development: 
While React Native offers a consistent look and feel across all platforms, it may not necessarily capture the nuances of every operating system's design language. However, with appropriate customization, you can achieve a close-to-native experience.

3. Development Time

Native Development: 
Native app development is time-consuming since you must write and update distinct codebases for iOS and Android. This slows down development, particularly for intricate apps.

React Native Development: 
React Native goes a long way to accelerate development as it is based on one codebase for both platforms. It enables quick prototyping and deployment and is best suited for projects where time is of the essence.

4. Performance

Native Development: 
Native applications provide world-class performance, particularly for heavy-duty applications such as gaming, video editing, or real-time processing. They are capable of utilizing the device's hardware to the fullest, providing seamless and intuitive performance.

React Native Development: 
React Native works well for the majority of applications but can be challenged by graphics-intensive or highly interactive applications. The use of a JavaScript bridge can create minor delays, so it is not ideal for performance-critical applications.

5. Scalability

Native Development: 
Native development is the most suitable option for large-scale, complex applications that need high performance and scalability. It offers the flexibility to support increasing user bases and feature-rich applications.

React Native Development: 
React Native is suitable for apps with moderate scalability needs. While it can handle growth, it may require additional optimizations for highly complex or resource-intensive projects.

6. Long-term Support

Native Development: 
Native development is highly stable and reliable for long-term projects. Both Apple and Google provide consistent updates and support for their platforms, ensuring that your app remains compatible with new OS versions.

React Native Development: 
React Native is greatly dependent on community support and Facebook's support, which is risky for long-term projects. Though the community is active, there is always a possibility of lag in updates or compatibility problems.

7. API Integration Support

Native Development: 
Native applications have smooth integration with platform-specific libraries and APIs, giving complete access to device capabilities such as the camera, GPS, and sensors.  
React Native Development: 
React Native has rich third-party library support, but implementing complex APIs can involve extra customizations. Third-party plugins often provide access to native features, which can create compatibility problems.

8. App Maintenance

Native Development: 
The maintenance of this methodology is tedious because you have to maintain two separate codebases for IOS and Android. However, in the longer run – this is a better methodology to rely upon.

React Native Development: 
This methodology works based on one codebase; hence, it is easier to maintain. However, it becomes complex when there are any updates in the framework or third-party plugins are being updated which can lead to compatibility issues for the application. In this case, you must keep testing the application to ensure it operates smoothly. 

9. App Security

Native Development: 
This is extremely reliable and secure because it abides by the operating system-specific protocols and frameworks. Hence, this methodology can be relied upon when it comes to industries that deal with sensitive information.  
React Native Development: 
Since this is based on JavaScript and third-party plugins, it becomes a little less secure. You can add security features that you need, but they will not be as reliable as the ones in Native applications.

10. Programming Language

Native Development: 
Since the codebases for different operating systems are different – they also utilize different languages for coding. For example, Swift is utilized for iOS while Kotlin/Java is utilized for Android development. These languages are powerful in the domain of app development and require special skills which can drive up development costs.

React Native Development: 
This method uses JavaScript, which is a widely known programming language, making it easier to onboard new developers for the project.

11. Interaction with Native Capabilities

Native Development: 
This methodology can access native capabilities of the operating system’s hardware. For example, it can gain access to the camera, GPS & sensors easily. Hence, this methodology is best suited for applications that require hardware integration.

React Native Development: 
This methodology is given limited access to native features of the hardware and is dependent heavily on third-party plugins for functionality. In most scenarios, it may not cause a problem, but in some heavy integrations – it may utilise some custom native methods.

Benefits of React Native

• Cross-Platform by Default: Write once, deploy on both iOS and Android, saving time and resources. 
• Native Modules: Allows integration of native code for platform-specific functionalities. 
• Hot Reloading: Instantly see changes during development without rebuilding the app. 
• Consistent Experience: Delivers a uniform look and feel across both platforms. 
• Developer-Friendly: JavaScript-based, making it easier for web developers to transition. 

Drawbacks of React Native

• Limited Access to Native APIs: Requires third-party plugins for advanced functionalities, which can be unreliable. 
• Performance Issues in Complex Apps: May struggle with graphics-intensive or highly interactive applications. 
• UI Component Differences: UI components may not perfectly align with platform-specific guidelines. 
• Lack of Custom Modules: Developers may need to build custom modules for specific needs, increasing complexity. 

Benefits of Native App Development

• Impressive UI/UX Possibilities: Fully optimized for platform-specific design guidelines, offering a superior user experience. 
• Performance Improvements: Delivers faster and smoother performance, especially for resource-intensive apps. 
• Full OS Integration: Complete access to device-specific features like camera, GPS, and sensors. 
• Superior Control Over Code: Developers have full control over the app’s functionality and performance. 

Drawbacks of Native Development

• Higher Development Costs: Requires separate teams and codebases for iOS and Android. 
• Longer Development Time: Building and maintaining two separate apps can be time-consuming. 
• Complex Maintenance: Updates and bug fixes need to be implemented separately for each platform.  

Choose React Native If:

1. You require a cost-effective solution 
React Native is an excellent option if you have an optimal budget or you want to develop an app with minimal features.

2. Your App Needs Rapid Development and Deployment 
If speed matters, React Native's hot reload and reusable code elements allow app developers to produce and launch apps much faster compared to native app development. This is especially beneficial for companies that want to get their app out there in a hurry and establish a competitive advantage.

3. You Want to Leverage Existing JavaScript Expertise 
React Native is based on the JavaScript programming language. In case your team already has expertise in JavaScript, your path to React Native will be easier and less training-intensive than adapting to platform-specific languages such as Swift or Kotlin.

4. Your App Does Not Rely Too Much on Platform-Specific Features or Graphics Capability 
Although React Native can meet most of the requirements of an app, it is not ideal for apps that require advanced platform-specific features or intensive graphics (for example, gaming or AR/VR apps). For less demanding apps or moderate-complexity apps, React Native has excellent results.

Choose Native Development If:

1. Your App Requires High Performance and Platform-Specific Optimizations 
Native development is the preferred option when apps need the best performance and platform optimization. Whether it's a taxing game or an application that processes in real-time, native development ensures that your app runs effortlessly and optimally.

2. You Require Complete Access to Native APIs and Device Features 
Native development provides full access to these features if your app heavily relies on device-based features like the camera, GPS, or sensors. Native development is usually required for apps within sectors like health, finance, or IoT where high integration is crucial.

3. Your App is Complicated and Needs Scalability 
For high-user-load, complicated apps that should frequently be updated, native app development is more scalable and stable. It's also simpler to maintain and upgrade native apps when your business develops.

4. You Prioritize Security and Long-Term Stability 
Native apps are generally more secure because they leverage platform-specific security protocols. If your app handles sensitive data (e.g., banking or healthcare apps), native development provides the robustness and reliability needed to ensure long-term stability. 

React Native has a great deal of strengths but also comes with its own set of weaknesses which people will have to keep in mind while achieving their end goal. It can be used to achieve their larger goals and objectives while ensuring their cost and time efficiencies are being met. However, on the other hand, they must keep in mind that they may face scalability issues. 
Native on the other hand, has a great deal of benefits as well, specifically because it is catering to the nuances of iOS and Android so effectively, however, it is not as time & cost-effective as React Native might be. However, the outcome in the short or the long run in the case of Native is going to be top-notch considering its rich functionality and seamless integration methodology. 
However, this is a bird’s eye view that we have tried to give you while you are evaluating the use of either of the app methodologies. The eventual decision must rely on the eventual goal that you are trying to achieve with the app development, the budgets, and the constraints that have been deployed toward the project’s requirements. Webandcrafts (WAC) can help you, in this case, since we not only have expertise in React Native app development services but also Native app development and can give you advice & suggestions based on your specific requirements.